What types and topics of training are required for a Lexington Police Officer? What types and topics of training required annually?

The Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) governs the content of the police academy and in-service training. The MPTC routinely accepts guidance from professional agencies and specialized groups who offer topics for training.

The annual in-service 40-hour training has a day on legal updates, a day on topical issues (i.e. racial profiling, mental health first aid, proper use of social media), a day on defensive tactics (including recommended de-escalation tactics and strategies), and a day for CPR/first responder recertification.

The Police Administrative Captain then supplements this training with firearm/use of force and de-escalation training and identifies other programming that may be specific to Lexington's needs. For example, we are seeking to train all officers in crisis intervention, restorative justice, and the services offered by the domestic violence advocates.

As funding permits, the Administrative Captain is responsible for identifying training opportunities that supplement the training provided by the MPTC. Anyone can submit suggestions and if appropriate, we may incorporate the training into our programming. Short training programs (approximately 15-minutes) can be presented at roll-call.

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1. Do we have sufficient staffing numbers to ensure that police officers are not working too many hours per week and facing burn out?
2. What types and topics of training are required for a Lexington Police Officer? What types and topics of training required annually?
3. How does training rebalance into cultural competency training, practices for preventing racial profiling and de-escalation training?
4. Can you share any analysis of the effectiveness of each source and mode of training?
5. Given the recent national conversation on policing in the 21st Century, how does Lexington plan to evaluate policing methods to ensure we are leaders in this conversation and not followers?
6. How does civilian oversight work? Can you describe what a "weak chief" is?
7. Can you please describe accountability mechanisms for police behaviors that are outside what is expected?
8. Can you explain why we need detail officers for traffic? Can't flag holders be used instead?
9. Why do police detail officers carry their firearms with them?
10. What role do police unions play with regard to the Lexington Police Department?
11. What is approach of the Town and the Police towards membership of its police officers in police fraternities?
12. What are the Town/Police Department's views on qualified immunity for police officers?
13. With officers working overtime shifts, how do you work to prevent burnout?
14. Has there ever been a civilian board/committee that has worked with the Police Department?
15. How do you ensure that Department policies are followed and that there is a culture of accountability?